The Pittsburgh Paddlefish are a competitive but welcoming dragon boat team that paddles three times a week at the Three Rivers Rowing facility in Millvale. We practice for fun, fitness and in preparation for races. When we aren’t on the water, we workout in our indoor facilities with paddling and rowing ergs, weights and core exercises. The team is open to adults who enjoy being on the water, the pursuit of fitness, and the camaraderie of group workouts and activities.
Join us for fun, fitness and friendship.
What is Dragon Boating?
Dragon boat racing is a team sport that involves paddling long, narrow boats with decorative dragon heads and tails. The sport originated in China over 2,000 years ago and is now one of the world’s fastest growing water sports. Crews typically have up to 20 paddlers, a drummer, and a steers person. Paddlers sit in pairs and use single-bladed paddles. The team paddles in sync, as one. The views of the Pittsburgh skyline are a gorgeous backdrop to our dragon boat workouts.
Benefits of Dragon Boating: Fun, Friendship & Fitness
Dragon boating offers a wide range of benefits, making it an excellent choice for your new hobby or workout. By incorporating dragon boating into your fitness routine, you can enjoy these health benefits while also having fun and building strong connections with your teammates.
- Cardiovascular Fitness: The continuous paddling involved in dragon boating helps improve cardiovascular health, increasing your endurance and stamina.
- Full-Body Workout: Dragon boating is a comprehensive workout that involves multiple muscle groups, providing a balanced and effective workout.
- Muscle Strength and Endurance: Paddling strengthens your abs and core muscles.
- Teamwork and Camaraderie: Being part of a team fosters a sense of community and support.
- Improved Focus and Concentration: Synchronizing with your team and maintaining proper technique keeps your mind and body healthy.
Many people on the team enjoy a variety of sports and activities, including biking, running, pickleball, pilates, yoga, and weight lifting. Dragon boating is a great addition to any fitness plan.
Variety and Motivation
- Break from Routine: Incorporating dragon boating into your training routine adds variety, which can keep you motivated and prevent workout monotony.
- Fun and Social: The social aspect of dragon boating makes it an enjoyable way to stay fit and meet new people.
Complementary Skills
- Coordination and Core Strength: The sport enhances coordination and core strength, which are beneficial for activities like running, biking, skiing and martial arts.
- Strength and Endurance: The combination of strength and endurance training in dragon boating can improve overall athletic performance.
Pittsburgh Paddlefish: Teamwork. Camaraderie. Power.
Join us for fun, fitness and friendship. Reserve a spot on the boat to try it out yourself. Find out why paddling on a dragon boat is one of the fastest growing team sports in the world. Don’t miss out!
Come join us and try dragon boating for yourself!
Practice on the water is April through October and is weather dependent.
For winter practice, we move inside the Millvale Boathouse (near the Millvale Marina) for cardio, weights, and core.
| Water Practice April to October Mon & Wed: 6:30 – 8:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 – 10:30 AM Location: Millvale Boathouse |
Winter Practice October to March Mon & Wed: 6:30 – 8:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 – 10:30 AM Location: Millvale Boathouse |